Fiat has announced pricing for its 124 Spider, which will arrive in Australia exclusively in the powered-up Abarth version.

The roadster shares a platform with the Mazda MX-5, but power for the 124 come from Fiat’s 1.4 litre turbocharged MultiAir four-cylinder engine making 125kW and 250Nm.

That boost in power and the addition of a turbocharger might be enough to sway potential MX-5 customers over to the Fiat option, and now the Italian carmaker has revealed those customers will need at least an extra $10,000 to make the switch.

The 124 Spider Abarth kicks off at $41,990 for the six-speed manual model, rising to $43,990 for the six-speed automatic with paddle shifters (both models plus on-road costs).

That represents a $10,000 premium over the cheapest MX-5 with 1.5 litre petrol-power at $31,990 plus on-roads, while the range-topping GT Automatic with the larger 2.0 litre petrol engine starts at $41,550.

To sweeten the deal, Fiat has announced that both manual and auto 124 Abarths will carry drive-away pricing Australia-wide of $43,500 and $45,500 respectively.

The 124 Abarth has both the Mazdas beaten for power, with Mazda’s 1.5 litre four-cylinder producing 96kW/150Nm and the 2.0 litre engine making 118kW/200Nm.

Mazda fans may argue that the extra power in the Abarth could upset the MX-5’s characteristic handling balance, but the Abarth also brings sports suspension, a mechanical limited-slip differential and additional features outlined earlier this week (click here to learn more about the Australian specifications).

Brembo brakes and Bilstein shock absorbers are standard, along with a quad-tip sports exhaust system.

"The Abarth 124 Spider is not just an amazing performance vehicle, but the return of one of the world's most iconic nameplates to Australian roads," Fiat Australia CEO, Steve Zanlunghi, said.

"We're thrilled to reveal today that the most powerful vehicle in its class will offer incredible value in Australia, regardless of whether it’s in the performance-packed Abarth 124 Spider or the commemorative Launch Editions."

Those Launch Editions will be available to the first 100 buyers, wearing a numbered Launch Edition plaque and adding contrasting bumper inserts, mirror caps and tow-hook covers.